Boku no Kanojo Sensei Volume 7 Chapter 4

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The Girlfriend Teacher Confronts her Enemy

The following day of the culture festival—Seven in the morning. Several people had gathered in the narrow third conference room. Standing in front of the white board were the student council president Enri, and the president of the culture festival committee. Of course, the vice president Miharu was present as well, although she was sleepy.

“Haaa…” Shiya-chan sat next to me, letting out a sigh.

Today, she wasn’t cosplaying anymore, instead wearing a shoulders-open cutsew, with a cardigan on top. Since Shiya-chan was the proper staff of the culture festival, and I helped with basically everything, we were both allowed to participate.

Yesterday evening, the LINE group of the culture festival staff banded together, and decided to meet here at 7am. Even though it was on such a short notice, many of the staff actually made it in time. However, there was no time for chit-chat. Everybody was tense. They probably figured out by now as to what the agenda of today was.

After all, with the kind of trouble that occurred yesterday—

“Good morning, everyone.”

The door to the conference room opened, with the vice principal—and Maka-sensei entering. The students gave back a greeting, to which the vice principal cleared her throat.

“I’m sorry to have called you here this early in the morning. I am very happy to see how passionate you all are.”

I could tell how everyone was tense. They should know that the vice principal was only preparing for the real bombshell to drop, hoping for her to get to the point. At the very least, that’s how I feel.

“Good work on the first day of the culture festival. It appears as if we had more people than ever before. It must have been thanks to the great advertising online. It makes sense why the results of the surveys were so astonishing.”

Of course, everything sounds great so far. That being said, I think we all know what comes after—

“However.”

Whoop, there it is.

“I’m sure that you all must know what happened yesterday. A fire broke out inside a waste container¹.”

“……….”

Right away, all faces inside the room grew cloudy. That’s right, this was what the message reaching Enri’s phone yesterday said. Luckily, the container itself didn’t catch on fire, and the fire itself was put out right away. Of course, that still meant a bit of a panic broke out in the courtyard, resulting in students, teachers, and guests avoiding the area.

Other waste containers and easy flammable areas were checked right away, the courtyard blocked off. The attractions inside the school and gym hall were put on halt as well, but everything went back to normal roughly 30 minutes later, once safety was guaranteed.

“Thanks to everyone’s quick thinking, we have succeeded in keeping the damages to a bare minimum. I am quite thankful for that. However—” The vice principal continued, as Maka-sensei’s expression tightened up. “We received complaints. They, namely the parents and guardians, cannot speak for a continuation of a cultural festival after such a fire broke out.”

Well, I expected as much…Even so, it still hurt pretty badly to hear that from the vice principal’s mouth.

“After an emergency meeting with the school principal—We have decided that the second day of the culture festival will take place.”

The students raised voices of admiration. In the worst case, the festival might have been cancelled after all. In reality, I’m relieved as well, and so is Shiya-chan.

“After looking into the origin of the fire, it appears that a burning cigarette put the waste container to fire.”

“Of course, smoking is prohibited on school grounds, but that never stopped people after all. We however judged that it wasn’t a student who did that.” Maka-sensei delivered further explanations. “That is why the students don’t have any responsibility in this. Naturally, the same goes for the staff of the festival.” Maka-sensei explained, as she looked at the documents. “However, there is still a problem left to discuss. As expected, we cannot proceed as we have planned.”

While Maka-sensei spoke, Shiya-chan tightly grasped my hand. She’s probably thinking the same as me. I returned that grip, and waited for Maka-sensei to continue.

“Because a fire already occurred—The Firestorm has been cancelled.”

“Well, can’t help it, Mako. Just switch it up.”

“You’re pretty calm about this, huh!?”

We left the conference room, and came to the door in front of the rooftop. Since the rooftop is off-limits, we stopped in front of it, and Shiya-chan sat on a nearby desk.

“After you worked so hard, and revived the Firestorm…”

“It’s not that I was working hard. You and the others did everything. Even Maka-sama helped, right?”

“So you knew…”

“I didn’t think it’d be that easy to get permission. The only one who could make that possible is Maka-sama.”

“Well…”

Maka-sensei said she’d rather not show her actions that happened behind the scenes, but I guess denying it now is useless.

“Maka-sensei seemed fairly calm for the fact that she was looking forward to the Firestorm herself.”

“Of course. Maka-sama is a teacher. It was her job to tell us about the school’s decision, so there’s no way she had personal feelings in that matter.”

“I guess so…”

Even so, I can’t accept this. Just as Maka-sensei said, the students cannot be blamed for this. We might have been a bit naive with our patrol, but I doubt we could have avoided this.

“Also, now that the Firestorm was cancelled, the staff are going to be busy with the after-festival, right? Are you sure you should be here with me, Mako?”

“I’m only a temporary staff member. They won’t complain if I’m not there.”

I doubt I could do anything either way. Not to mention that I can’t leave Shiya-chan alone now.

“Shiya-chan, nobody’s watching. No need to worry.”

“…Yeah.”

Shiya-chan got off the desk, and kicked it at full force. Ah, how violent. Can’t show that in front of others, alright.

“Why a fire now of all times! It should have been a downpour or a strong storm! Of all the things, I didn’t want it to be a fire!”

“Yeah, it really was the worst possible timing…”

We barely managed to revive the Firestorm, and yet we’re back at the beginning. It didn’t help that the one problem occurring was a fire. The campfire at the sports grounds normally has nothing to do with a burning container. But, now that a fire broke out, it’s hard to hold an event related to fire. Even if logic doesn’t match up, that’s how the world works. I know that as a high school student, I need to accept that, but…

“…I get it. But, I still can’t sit still. Shiya-chan, you shouldn’t stay done like that.”

“So cheeky…Since when did you become good enough to cheer me up like that?” Shiya-chan, gave a wry smile, gently pumping her fist in my shoulder. “Ah, this isn’t good. I can’t have our positions switched like that. Normally, I should be doing something for you and the others.”

“It’s fine, we don’t matter.”

We still have next year…Although it will be tough for the third-years. More importantly, this will be Shiya-chan’s only chance to be involved with the culture festival. There won’t be another time, another next year.

“We have the Miss-Con at the after-festival today, and that’ll be my main event, so you better be voting. Also, who are you even voting for, Mako?”

“Probably for you, Shiya-chan.”

“Voting for family is boring, so no voting for me or Haru. And, since teacher’s are a no-go, you can’t vote for Maka-sama either.”

“That reminds me, I heard that teachers suddenly were removed from the vote last year…”

“From what I heard, Maka-sama gathered so many votes, they had to remove teachers all-together. It’d be a big problem if a teacher won with a gigantic difference.”

“Makes sense…” I nodded along, but honestly—that didn’t even matter.

I’m interested in the Miss-Con, but who cares about that right now. Karen-senpai or Nui are going to win, and Enri, Miharu, as well as Tenka-san are going to get the most votes after. Most people voting will be students anyway. The bigger problem right now is the Firestorm.

“Hey, Mako. Are you thinking about something weird?”

“Not really, but, this feeling…”

“Are you actually…?” Shiya-chan gave me a worried gaze.

Just as much as I understood Shiya-chan’s feelings, she probably could guess what I was thinking. Until now, Shiya-chan always protected me. When I was rejected by Kouko-sensei, when I was in trouble with Karen-senpai because of that teacher, Shiya-chan always stood up for me, got angry for my sake. Of course, sometimes she went a bit too far, and that was probably her only option as a child. But, it doesn’t matter what position we are in right now.

If I had to guess—I’m angry. Rarely enough, I’m fuming. When Maka-sensei was involved in that accident, I was angry as well, but this is different. I’m angry from the bottom of my heart. Towards what or who you might ask? Of course, towards those who ruined the Firestorm for Shiya-chan. Even if that includes Maka-sensei—I can’t forgive them.

This is Saigi Makoto’s schedule for the second day of the culture festival: 8am is the staff meeting (which was moved to seven before), 8.45am is class homeroom. After that, I have to walk around the culture festival as a guard during the afternoon, and finally group together with Kuu and Sekiya-san to play.

Of course, in the afternoon, I have another stage play to participate in. Since Nui was participating today, everything should work out just fine. The play is slated to end 25 minutes later, and another 15 minutes of cleaning up after that. After that, more patrolling until the festival ends at 4pm. Then, the staff get together, and the after-festival begins at 6pm.

I have to say, it’s quite the hard schedule. But, I don’t care. Got more pressing matters.

“Excuse me!” I opened the door of the staff office, and walked inside.

“Wah, it’s Saigi.”

“His eyes are scaring me.”

“I know him from the middle school division. He has returned, it seems…!”

Just by looking around, I could hear murmurs everywhere. I feel like the teachers here are quite rude towards their precious students.

“Is Maka—Fujiki-sensei present?”

Since we’re not in exam season, students are allowed to enter the teacher’s office. I honestly didn’t bother too much with the other teachers, but I said that just for sure. Didn’t really feel like staying quiet.

“Ohhh, so you came, Saigi~ I might wear a white robe, but I can’t heal any of your injuries~”

For the fact that Hiyori-sensei seemed fairly calm, her expression looked troubled. After giving me a close glance, Hiyori-sensei looked away. Tracing her gaze, I spotted Maka-sensei, standing in the vice principal’s office.

“Fujiki-sensei, can I have a bit of your time?”

How long has it been since I was treating Maka-sensei like a stranger. I mean, we are doing the same in the classroom…But, my voice just naturally turned cold.

“Saigi-kun, homeroom is about to begin. I understand that you might have something to talk about, but go back to your classroom for now.”

After Maka-sensei finished her discussion with the vice principal, she walked towards me.

“Just a bit is fine. It’s something very important.”

“…I understand what you’re referring to. And, I also know that we won’t make it in time for homeroom if we talk about that…Renku-sensei, could you take over my class’ homeroom?”

“Can’t help it~ Give me the class list.” Hiyori-sensei tapped Maka-sensei on the shoulder, and walked away. “Ah, MakaMaka~”

“What is it, Renku-sensei?”

“Keep calm, okay? You’re not a student here~”

“…I know.”

This time, Hiyori-sensei walked away for good. I figured that this must have been a reminder or warning of sorts, but I feel like she was talking to me as well.

“Saigi-kun.”

“Yes.”

“We shouldn’t be talking about this here. Let us move to the student counselling room.”

“Understood.”

The student counselling room, huh. Now that I think about it, everything started there. I feel a deep connection with that place in one way, but at the same time, I don’t care.

“Have a seat, Saigi-kun.”

Urged by Maka-sensei, I sat on the chair inside the room. Sensei kept standing, leaning against the window wall.

“We’re both busy today, so I’d like to finish things fast. Tell me what brought you here.”

“The Firestorm, of course.” I said bluntly, while looking at Maka-sensei. “I understand the reason why it was cancelled. But, I can’t accept that. The blame for the fire doesn’t lie with us students, so I don’t see why we would have to suffer.”

“Us teachers are very much aware of that. However, there are people who draw these connections. I doubt anything would happen even if we pressed the Firestorm. There will always be complaints after all. I doubt the guardians and parents would cause that much of a ruckus.”

“And yet the Firestorm remains cancelled.”

“If anything, future Firestorms are in grave danger.”

“That far…”

It went from being cancelled to revived to being cancelled again. Now it might just be going down into the school history as an event that will get cancelled easily. Since many of the students have quite wealthy parents, the higher-ups in the management don’t want any risks. Nowadays, the smallest claims can disrupt a gigantic net of enterprises.

But, even if I understand the logic, that doesn’t mean I can just accept that.

“I know that face of yours. It looks like you went back to the old Saigi-kun.”

“I’m not rebellious towards teachers. I just can’t understand the decision of the school.”

“There’s no big difference. You probably think that the teachers aren’t supporting you, right?”

“Even if the others don’t—how do you feel, Maka-sensei?”

“I don’t blame you for forgetting, but I am a teacher still. Not to mention that I am but a baby since this is only my second year here, so I can’t exactly talk back to the school.”

“If I remember correctly, you did exactly that when Karen-senpai colored her hair blonde?”

“Because that was an incident that involved only the school. Guardians and parents won’t complain just because there’s an internal problem.”

“This again is a school internal problem. The fire will happen in the middle of the school grounds, and we won’t be bothering the neighbours.”

“We’ve known that from the start. But, let’s stop beating around the bush. You want to hold the Firestorm for Keimi-san’s sake, right?”

“I’m not saying it’s just for Shiya-chan. Many other students, as well as the student council and committee want the Firestorm to happen.”

“Hmm…you changed, Saigi-kun.”

“I changed?”

“You weren’t the type to work for another person. Only after the other girls from SID started to need your help.”

“…I’m not lying or anything?”

I really came here for the sake of everyone, so that they can enjoy the Firestorm. I know very well how hard everyone worked for it. I know that the world isn’t kind enough to reward every person who’s working hard. But, ruining the hard work because of something unreasonable like that is something I can’t accept.

“I’m praising you here, you know. You seem to take the role as the commander, but in reality, you’re no leader. You just naturally gather people around you…Especially cute girls!”

“Can we stay serious for five minutes…” I sighed in complaint. “I’m not a commander, nor a leader. If I was anything like that, I wouldn’t be here all on my own.”

“You were with Keimi-san in the conference room, right? What about her?”

“Left her. I doubted that she’d be able to stay calm now that the Firestorm is on the line.”

“…You don’t exactly seem calm to me either, Saigi-kun.”

“I am, very much so. Am I not talking to you like I always do, Maka-sensei?”

“Always, hm…You only look like a child sulking.”

“………”

For a second, the blood rushed up to my head. I’m used to being treated like a cute child by Maka-sensei, but this once, I can’t take it.

“Did you think I’d be different? Assumed that you would receive special treatment? I still like you, don’t worry. However, this and that are different. As your girlfriend teacher I’m ready to accept every wish you have, but as your teacher, there’s limits. I don’t like being strict, but a student won’t grow with just kindness.”

“I’m not asking for kindness, I want you to see that this logic doesn’t add up!”

“That’s how society works. As a student, you don’t need to come in contact with the strict society yet, but as long as outsiders visit the culture festival, the school can’t ignore them.”

“So you’re telling me to give up on the protection of the school, accepting this unreasonable decision despite us having no fault in it?”

“…What a cheeky way of saying it.” Maka-sensei showed a troubled smile.

Unlike Shiya-chan’s and Karen-senpai’s, it was an adult’s smile—a wry smile knowing that nothing could be done.

“We’re done here, Saigi-kun.”

“Eh?”

What, where did that come from…

“You are free to think what you want. Either way, the Firestorm has been cancelled. Neither you, nor even Shinbou-san do any hope of changing this. Hurry back to your classroom.”

“Wait a second, Maka-sensei! We’re not done talking!”

“I am. Also, I won’t be participating in the play today.”

“Eh? Then, what about the role of the magician…”

“Tenka did a great job with it, right? Yesterday, I stood out more than necessary. That should have been enough of a teacher’s special service. The culture festival is something where students need to take control.”

“W-Wait a moment. First the Firestorm is cancelled, and now you even won’t appear in the play, that’s almost—”

Like she’s playing the bad guy.

“I don’t see any more reason for a discussion. Saigi-kun, let me say it one last time. Go back to your classroom.”

“Maka-sensei…!” I shot up from my chair, and glared at Maka-sensei.

Even though I was the one who came with the will to fight, it makes me feel like the tables have been turned on me. Then again, that’s probably exactly what just happened.

“Just to let you know, but your usual work won’t do the trick either. I’m talking about your work in the shadows, and gathering allies, of course. This time, the face of us adults is on the line, and no matter how many children you get together, they’re not going to be enough to win against the world of adults.”

“…I can be quite stubborn, you know.” I fixed my chair, and turned towards the door.

After that marriage incident with Kouko-sensei, I won’t lose against anybody when it comes to my anti-teacher career. Just means that I have to fight again—even if the enemy is my girlfriend teacher.

“Mako, wait!”

“Ah, Shiya-chan?”

As I stepped out of the guidance room, walking down the hallway, Shiya-chan came running towards me.

“Didn’t you group up with your peeps from university? You must be busy with the Miss-Con, right?”

“Wao…This one’s a goner.”

“W-What is?”

“Don’t underestimate your Onee-chan, okay. I can tell what you’re thinking by just looking at your face. It’s gotten even worse from the meeting before. You’re burning with anger, right?”

“I wonder…”

Personally, I think I’m still pretty calm. Now that my conversation with Maka-sensei, my waging chip, broke, I have to stay rational. Or, was Maka-sensei this stubborn exactly because I became emotional? Was I…actually using my relationship with Maka-sensei to resolve this trouble? I thought that if I wished for it, Maka-sensei would help me out. This late into the game, there’s no reason for me to doubt her feelings. But, that very thought of that—was way too naive.

“There’s still hope, Shiya-chan.”

“Eh, hope…?”

“We finished preparations for the Firestorm. Logs and firewood, fuel, tools for the fire, and fire extinguishers. The staff members went through the training as well. We just need permission, then we can start with the preparations.”

“W-Wait a second, are you really doing this? There’s no reason to go that far for the Firestorm…”

“I’m not doing it for the Firestorm only, Shiya-chan. Everything you left behind here, we’ve inherited it, including this event. We can’t lose, even against the school.”

“You can’t do that!” Shiya-chan grabbed on my arm. “This is different from you being rebellious towards teachers! You’ll end up rebelling against the entire school! This is more dangerous than with Karen-chan’s incident!”

“Don’t worry, it won’t turn into that big of a deal. Everyone knows how much of a rebel I am.”

“That’s not the problem here! After everything you did in the past, it wouldn’t be weird if you get suspended! That’s no joke!”

“I don’t care. Because of a reason that doesn’t make any sense, the school is ruining everyone’s efforts.”

I don’t plan on backing down from this. I can feel my rebellious heart dancing—No, that’s not it.

“…You talked with Maka-sama, right. Is it because it’s her? Are you angry because you feel betrayed by her?”

“It’s different from the incident with Kouko-sensei. I’m not a kindergarten child anymore.”

Is that really the case? I feel like my way of thinking hasn’t changed much from before. Even though I went through so much of Maka-sensei’s ‘education’.

“Then, where do you plan on going, non-kindergarten child Saigi Makoto-kun?”

“To the principal. If Maka-sensei is just the contact person, then I need to get to the source.”

“Gaaaaaah! I totally knew it! You’re digging your own grave, and Maka-sensei’s as well!”

“They all ruined our plans, so it doesn’t matter if they get wrapped up in a bit of trouble.”

“Ehhhhhh…You’re still thinking like a kindergarten child, but you act like a high school student.”

I guess I’m being childish right now. But, since I don’t see any way of breaking through this otherwise—

“It’s the same with the exams. You told me to start working on the problems I understand in order to get to those I can’t solve. If Maka-sensei doesn’t work, then—”

“This is different from me teaching you as a home tutor! Just come with me for a second!” Shiya-chan kept holding onto my arm, pulling me along. “We should be fine here. I doubt anybody would bother us.”

“I mean…this is the student council office, you know?”

However, none of the members were present right now. If I remember correctly, they went back to the conference room right after homeroom.

“I’m a former member of the student council, so it’s okay for me to be in here. I won’t let anybody complain about something like this.”

“You keep saying how dangerous I am, but aren’t you even more forceful than me…”

“Zip it. I’m in Onee-chan mode right now. I don’t think you’d listen to the SID Shiya right now. Shiya-chan grabbed my shoulder, and forcefully made me sit down on a nearby chair.

“I get that you’re angry, but you can’t just start a fight with Maka-sama to push through the Firestorm. Calm down a bit, will you!”

“No, you’re the one who needs to calm down, Shiya-chan. I’m thinking of ways on how to solve this situation. More precisely, how to stop the Firestorm from being cancelled, and how to get back at Maka-sensei…”

“I didn’t need to hear those honest thoughts! I knew that you’re angry at Maka-sama!”

“…Can’t help it, I can’t accept her way of doing things this time around.”

“Now you’re finally honest. But, there’s nothing that Maka-sama can do. The school deals with the complaints, after all.”

“Maka-sensei is our enemy, right. She probably gets orders from the vice principal, but she’s the most tough enemy you can have. Most of the time she’s friendly with her students, receiving a lot of popularity, but she still is the Unobtainable Flower. Nobody would go against her.”

“Are you trying to defeat her with numbers or something?”

“Maka-sensei said that the number of students doesn’t matter. But, if we get half of the entire student body, then the school can’t ignore it.” I said, and realized I just got a LINE message. “It’s from Miharu. ‘President En-chan is still complaining, but the committee members are Miharu’s puppets’, she says.”

“Wao…I raised my brother and sister to be some terrifying monsters…”

“Can you stop talking like Nui all of a sudden?”

Well, Shiya-chan was always pretty similar to Nui.

“That’s my little sister for you, she already started working on ahead. All that’s left is for Nui to get together the boys, and then we only need Karen-senpai’s help….”

“Stop it already! Don’t just move the story forward! Do you really plan on fighting Maka-sama like that, Mako!?”

“What about you, Shiya-chan?”

“………” Shiya-chan stayed quiet.

Of course, I know what she thinks about all of this. When she was the vice president of the student council, the Firestorm was cancelled, only for it to be brought back now. She’s probably the one who was looking forward to it the most. She’s playing the adult, playing the older sister, but she probably wants to complain at Maka-sensei more than anybody else.

After a short silence, Shiya-chan brushed aside her bangs, and opened her mouth.

“I’m not a high school student anymore. I did come to help out, but I’m technically an outsider. And, I was the one who put all this pressure on you, so I can’t ask you for more.”

“That might be true, and if it hadn’t been cancelled during your time as a student council member, I wouldn’t care that much. But, this is our event now. Miharu, Enri, they’re all trying to make this event a success.”

“I get that, but there’s no meaning to it if the entire festival gets ruined in process! The culture festival is great even without the Firestorm!”

“I—”

I remembered something—the face of the person who tried to regain what she had lost here at this school. Both for her, and Shiya-chan, I’m trying so that they don’t have any regrets. I know that what I’m trying to do sounds impossible. But, at the very least, I want to dissolve as many of their regrets as possible.

“…Hm? Shiya-chan, do you hear something?”

“Eh? …Ah, now that you say it. They didn’t open up the festival yet, so I wonder what it is.”

I could hear loud and cheerful noises. I don’t remember any surprise event.

“Hm? Another LINE message. This time, it’s…Nui?”

Reading the message—

“‘Maka-tea is being chased! I don’t really get what’s going on, but I’m joining in!’…Hey now, don’t get yourself in danger like that!”

“Maka-sama is being chased? Why? I mean, I want to be around Maka-sama 24/7 no matter what she’s doing, but…”

“I know a lot of people like that…”

I’m a bit worried that my Onee-san might turn into a stalker.

“This is bad, this is bad!”

Suddenly, the door to the student council office was rammed open, and the person in question stormed inside.

“What are you doing, Maka-sensei?”

“S-Saigi-kun, Keimi-san!? W-What are you two doing in here!”

“We were thinking of how to remove you, Maka-sama.”

“Wha…! After that before, you suddenly plan to remove me!? Saigi-kun, you’re a bit too cruel!”

“I’d like to mention that Shiya-chan’s way of phrasing it clearly invites a misunderstanding…But, what brings you here, Sensei?”

“T-That’s…”

It was rare to see Maka-sensei this reluctant and unsure.

“The students heard of the Firestorm being cancelled, and now asked me for help. I was only in the position to pass over the information…”

“They’re not complaining, but ask you for help…? I don’t remember asking for that.”

“Eh, that wasn’t your doing?”

“Mako was planning to make his way to the principal.”

“That’s even worse! What are you plotting, Saigi-kun! It would have been better if you sent all the students after me!”

“It’s fine, I stopped them with my body,” Shiya-chan grinned.

“You, what…? Anyway, good work, Keimi-san.”

“I-It has been an honor!”

Hey now, since when did Maka-sensei become a commander?

“Maka-sensei, what is going on? Nui said she was chasing after you as well.”

“Makes sense why the number of students suddenly went up…They’re apparently trying to appeal to me and get the Firestorm back on the schedule. What a terrible misunderstanding.”

“Yes, what a terrible misunderstanding. You’re on the system’s side after all.”

“That’s right, it’s my job to mercilessly shut down any appeal you have. I guess I was too kind to you as of late, and that’s why you got the wrong idea.”

If anything, I feel like Maka-sensei’s overall image changed as of late. During the incident with Karen-senpai, she stood face to face with the school, saved a student who almost ended up in a traffic accident, came to school with her school uniform during the sports festival, and participated in the play yesterday. Makes sense that the students would take an even bigger liking to Maka-sensei. She quite possibly was their only option now that the Firestorm was cancelled. Even I did…

“That’s right, everyone has the wrong idea! But, I know. Maka-sensei, we will definitely make the Firestorm a reality! Just watch me and Shiya-chan, we will do this!”

“You’re suddenly wrapping me up in this mess!?”

“I see…so it’s a declaration of war.”

“Maka-sama, are you even listening!? I want to stop Mako, okay!?”

“That’s just you acting like the older sister to hide your true feelings, right?”

“………!” Being told face-to-face, Shiya-chan lost her words.

Well, everybody would be able to tell as much…

“To think I’d end up locked in here…The English material preparation room is my castle, you remember that.” Maka-sensei let out a sigh, and walked towards the desk of the student council president. “Seven years passed, and yet this seat hasn’t changed at all. It’s still the same from back when I sat on it.” Maka-sensei gently ran her fingers along the desk, filled with documents. “Back when I still sat on there—I didn’t want to do all of this Firestorm stuff. I couldn’t comprehend what would be so fun about dancing around a campfire like that, let alone the danger of it.”

“What a dry high school student you were…”

I’m not that much of a party-type, but I’d be excited if I heard about the Firestorm.

“I sat on here when I discussed everything about the Firestorm. Fuuka-sensei was all up for it, whereas I thought the normal festival was enough.”

“…You were against the Firestorm, Maka-sensei?” I was quite shocked to hear that, and looked over at Shiya-chan.

After all, according to the documents we’ve seen, student council president Fujiki Maka-san laid a lot of the groundwork.

“I was just confirming the papers. However, I was against an event that would rely on fire like that, so you could say that I was in the opposing faction. I didn’t exactly tell the others, but Fuuka-sensei saw right through me. She was awfully sharm at times.”

“Almost like Mako.”

“Yeah, she resembles Saigi-kun quite a bit.”

In the midst of that serious conversation, I’m getting dissed, huh…

“On top of seeing right through me, Fuuka-sensei also told me to enjoy the culture festival some more.”

“Seems like a teacher who’d be very good at meddling with other people’s businesses.”

“It makes sense that you would feel that way…You’re pretty similar. In a way that she never really showed what’s good about her.”

“I don’t want you getting weird hopes about me, okay.”

For now, it seems like Fuuka-sensei was a good teacher. I guess my hate for teachers isn’t fully gone, which is why I can’t help but think of her as annoying.

“Honestly, I only thought of her as a pain…but she pushed me, and brought me to finish the plan and preparations for the Firestorm. It was different from this time, with a teacher wanting to do it. But, after everything, it was a great success, and people’s impression of me went up.”

“…It sounds like you were just being played around by Fuuka-sensei…”

“You can say that again. The one person I couldn’t win against is Fuuka-sensei.” Maka-sensei had a distant gaze in her eyes.

The person who had given Maka-sensei her beloved red fiat is now gone.

“But, to think the same event would repeat itself. And, to have it be reversed of all things. Though, Fuuka-sensei is gone, so nobody will push for it again.”

“…I haven’t given up yet.”

“It would be better if you would. You’re still children. Different from Fuuka-sensei. Just give up, and enjoy this festival as it is.”

“Maka-sama—No, Fujiki-sensei, please give this up already!”

“…!”

Shiya-chan suddenly approached Maka-sensei, after having stayed silent for a while.

“You know of Mako’s feelings, so stop acting like you don’t! You steal their memories on their pretense of it being for the benefit of you adults!”

“Those words are meaningless. Come back with documents and ways to satisfy the people complaining—the neighbourhood, then we can talk.”

“……That’s…!” Shiya-chan had no more words.

Even if we want to fight back, we lack the ways of doing so.

“Try to push it through with numbers, play on the feelings of the students, that won’t do anything. As an adult, you should be aware of that, Keimi-san.”

“That doesn’t mean I can just give up…!”

“This is a waste of time, I see.” Maka-sensei brushed her hair backwards, and headed towards the door.

This is no good, if we let Sensei leave now, there’s no way we can bring back the Firestorm.

“The university students of Seikadai are pathetic. An honor student here at the high school division, and an experienced person with the student council and the culture festival committee—And yet you can’t overcome a trouble of this level.”

“………!”

Maka-sensei glanced over at Shiya-chan like she wanted to say something. At the same time, Shiya-chan seemed bewildered.

“Maybe it was the right choice for me to not continue at Seikadai’s university.”

“M-Maka-sensei, aren’t you saying too much here—”

“…Wait, Mako.”

I was about to chase after Maka-sensei, but Shiya-chan grabbed my arm. When I turned around, she had her phone out, operating it.

“Fujiki-sensei—No, Maka-sama, thank you very much!”

“I don’t remember doing anything that would deserve gratitude. Also, I’d be much happier if you properly addressed me as a teacher.” Maka-sensei only left behind these words, and then stepped out of the room.

“Shiya-chan, if we let her go now, then—”

“It’s enough. Maka-sama gave me enough hints.”

“Eh? Hints…?”

“Maka-sama is the greatest teacher you could have. Instead of giving you the answer, she gives you hints for you to find it yourself.” She said something vague like that, and focussed on her phone.

“What are you talking about, Shiya-chan?”

“Did I never tell you? The ones helping from the university are mainly first- and second-years.”

“You did, I think. But, I didn’t really bother with that.”

“Figures. The third-years aren’t here but…they come to university. The escalator system is strong after all. The years before me must have some experience, right?”

“Experience…Ah, with the Firestorm?”

“That’s right. There’s people in the third-years who actually experienced the Firestorm happen. After the first year with Maka-sama, the Firestorm was held four times after all.”

“You’ll go ask them for help? But, will they really come?”

“The ones that I’m asking have connections to the student council and committee. They’ll get staff.”

“Phew…But, I wonder if they’ll bother.”

“I told you before, right. The staff of the committee at our university are all diligent people. There’s a good chance they’re present at the university today. Not to mention that it’s right around the corner.”

“Ah, right…”

Since the Firestorm is part of the after-festival, it’ll be a whole while until that starts. Of course, a lot of them probably have other things to do once their classes end, but as long as we can get a handful…Their experience with the Firestorm is essential now.

“Hahaha, I’m glad I had a university debut. If I stayed the same asocial type, I wouldn’t have built a net of friends like this.”

“I guess you’re right. Maybe I should do a university debut myself.”

“You might turn out more handsome, but what’s inside won’t change, right?”

“Ouch!?”

It’s not that I’m rebellious, and chose teachers as my target, okay. But, thanks to Shiya-chan changing, we have found a ray of hope in this situation.

“Gotta hurry. Shiya-chan, can you arrange a meeting? I’ll bring Miharu with me, as official culture festival staff.”

“I’ll go with you as well! First, I’ll contact them, you get Haru, and then we get things through with the student council.

“Yup. And, let’s have Nui chase away Maka-sensei.”

“You really are evil, Mako. Even though she gave us the best possible hint.”

“Sacrifices are necessary to win the war. I’ll be on my way to meet Miharu then.”

“Mako!”

Right when I was about to walk away, Shiya-chan suddenly clung to me. On top of that, she rubbed my head really gently.

“S-Shiya-chan?”

“I thought you’d always be my small and cute little brother, you sure grew up to become reliable.”

“I’m only helping you, Shiya-chan.”

“That you are…Really, thank you so much, Mako.”

“I’m having fun myself. Just, I’m not a child anymore, so could you quit rubbing my head like this?”

“What, you’re flustered now? Aren’t you a cute one~”

This time she ruffled through my hair with more strength. Ah, I remember. This is how she’d always tease me as the evil older sister she is…Only to eventually smile.

“I’ll be going ahead now.”

“Yes, take care. I’ll be with you after I call them together.” Shiya-chan freed me, and I left the room.

Wah, that had my heart racing…Shiya-chan’s always been cute. We’re both not children anymore, so I wish she wouldn’t cling to me this nonchalantly. And, I also…

“And yet, you’re still plotting in the shadows, having Amanashi-san chase after someone.”

“…Maka-sensei, shouldn’t you have gone back to work?”

Right next to the door stood Maka-sensei, glaring at me.

“I knew you’d start plotting the second I was gone, so I listened in for a bit.”

“I feel like you were the one who instigated this…”

“…If only I had been a demonic teacher who could fully ignore the wishes of their students. Because you remind me of Fuuka-sensei…I kept saying unnecessary things.”

“Maka-sensei…! Ah that reminds me, we’re going to meet the university students, so I was hoping you could come with us as a guardian.”

“You suddenly ask me like that!?”

“They should be easy when the ‘Legendary Fujiki-senpai’ comes to meet them.”

“You’re just fully intent on using me!”

“Then, maybe I should ask Hiyori-sensei instead…The vice principal might even agree if I threaten her enough.”

“Saigi-kun, are you not afraid of other teachers? The vice principal isn’t someone you can just ask for a favor like that!”

You say that, but I really don’t. I just don’t have much respect for them.

“C-Can’t help it, I’ll tag along, just to make sure that you don’t do anything stupid! But, just because you get the help of the university students doesn’t mean the Firestorm will happen, okay!”

“I got you, I got you.”

Maka-sensei is slowly turning into a tsundere, huh. For now, it seems like that fight we had is past and forgotten, and the usual, happy Maka-sensei is back.

“What are you grinning there for, Saigi-kun? Once this culture festival is over, the ‘renewed education’ will begin, you know?”

“Ehhhh…”

I guess I was teasing her a bit too much. But, as long as she enjoys herself, that’s all that matters. Gotta get this whole Firestorm ordeal done, and then enjoy the second day of the culture festival.

***

A fire was burning in the center of the sports grounds. The large logs were throwing sparks everywhere as they burned with a strong red, the students around it ready to intercept if any problem arose. A bit further away stood the rest of the student body, brimming with tension. That is to be expected, as the dance will soon begin. Many of the students were looking for a chance to invite the person of their hearts for this.

Thanks to the atmosphere of the culture festival, as well as the thrill of being at school this late, many students found courage to do so already. A bit further away from this group of people, in the corner of the school grounds, she stood. It felt like she didn’t want to stand out, avoiding any attention.

“Shouldn’t you be with them at the fire?”

“…It’s my job to watch over them, so it’s fine.”

When I called out to her, the girl responded with a wry smile. She had her navy blue, long hair tied up on the side to create a side-tail. Down from her white blazer hung her black-white mini skirt. Even though she was a beauty that stood out at any given moment, she was hard to see in this darkness.

“Kuu…No, I guess I have to call you Muku now.”

“Ahaha, Kuu is fine. What about you? Can I still call you Sensei?” Muku—Kuu showed another wry smile, as she shook her head.

“Of course you can. Anything but that would just hurt me. Even Miharu is addressing me with ‘-san’ as of late. She’s super against it.”

“I can’t call her Onee-chan in front of other people either. That reminds me, I haven’t seen Miharu-san for quite some time. We do keep contact over LINE though.”

“Miharu is pretty busy after all…Even I can’t get through to her at times. I wanna meet Kagome again.”

“Ahaha, me too. They’re still living together, after all.”

“Kagome hasn’t changed at all. But, aren’t you busy yourself, Kuu?”

“I’m not really…” Kuu waved her hand in embarrassment.

“To think that small and cute Kuu would become the student council president of the high school division.”

“The Firestorm was brought back into existence six years ago, right. The culture festival back then really was fun.”

“I still remember it. So much stuff happened back then.”

“I can’t believe six years passed since then. And yet, you haven’t changed much, Sensei. The suit still doesn’t fit you at all.”

“Leave me alone.” I grumbled, and pulled up my necktie.

Sadly, my height hasn’t changed much compared to six years ago. Yet they’re forcing me to wear a suit, god damn it.

“Ahaha, both me and Miharu-onee—Miharu-san have passed you already. When was that…in middle school? How nostalgic.”

Kuu didn’t only grow with her height, but also her bust size. Now, she could even rival the legendary gravure idol Amanashi Nui.

“I’m an adult now, Sensei. But, we can still take baths together if you want~”

“As an adult, I have to politely decline.”

“Once I went up to middle school, you were against taking baths with me…”

“Of course I would.”

There’s a limit on taking baths with a girl, alright.

“I would be totally fine…After all, I am the last SID member.”

“SID, huh…haven’t heard that name in a long time.”

SID was short for the ‘It’s fine if I die’ alliance, formed by Karen-senpai. Even now, six years later, Kuu is a member of that.

“That reminds me, the members of SID went on to their ‘Last battle’ on that after-festival six years ago.”

It was filled with trouble, but thinking back on it, the culture festival was still fun. While gazing at the Firestorm in front of me, I reminisced about that special festival night.

—Back to six years ago!

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1 It could also be a normal trash bin, they don’t specify it. Since they make such a big deal out of it, I sincerely hope it’s at least an entire container.